Support funds

Support Funds Transforming lives with the gift of education

No.1 for Employability*

Voted one of the most affordable places to live in the UK** DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE

*No.1 relates to English Universities. Joint with Bishop Grosseteste. Excluding specialist institutions. Source: DLHE 2017 **Source: Zoopla.co.uk Top 10 most affordable places to live, October 2016

Welcome SIMON CLARKE DL Chair of the Development Board

As the new Chair of the Staffordshire University Development Board, I am pleased to welcome you to the second edition of our SUpport newsletter.

I have been a member of the Development Board since it was established in 2013 and it is an honour to follow my predecessor David Gage as Chair as we continue to build on the solid foundations he set in place.

This newsletter shows some of those achievements: developing relationships with alumni and honorary doctors, forming partnerships with local and national business leaders, raising aspirations and promoting social inclusion by making higher education widely accessible.

Through donations and gifts in time from our generous supporters, we have raised £1,000,000 to date, which has created over 250 bursaries, three scholarships and a host of other opportunity awards.

Every little helps towards assisting students from low income backgrounds, those who may be the first in their families to enter higher education. We must also acknowledge the generous gifts of time, donations of equipment and the invaluable knowledge and expertise shared by those who have supported this next generation of industry leaders.

Investment in the future of Staffordshire University is a continuous process, as we place students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best possible start to their careers in a wide range of exciting industries. We are always looking to meet with potential major donors who are willing to consider a partnership to help us to achieve our goals.

There are ambitious plans in place to continue gathering support for our students, beyond our original target.

The University recently celebrated the transformation of its Stoke-on-Trent campus and £40m investment in new facilities and we want to continue seeing students from all backgrounds reaping the benefits.

All donations, small and large, are very welcome and greatly appreciated and with this newsletter we want to show you how your support is helping to transform lives.

Thank you.

Thank you for your support in helping us transform lives and identify and inspire the leaders of the future.

The Development and Alumni Relations team is a group of committed, talented and enthusiastic staff. They’re passionate about what they’re trying to achieve: transforming lives, investing in the future of Staffordshire University and keeping students at the heart of everything they do.

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Development Board Members

DEBORAH SANDERSON

Head of Development and Alumni Relations Chair

DEBORAH leads the University’s development activity generating income through fundraising to support disadvantaged and gifted students and to provide investment for a future fit University.

A key part of Deborah’s role is to build strong graduate relations and to find new friends and supporters of the University. She has a wealth of marketing and fundraising experience spanning more than 25 years at Staffordshire University, not-for-profit organisations and a mix of design and advertising agencies.

SIMON CLARKE Executive Chairman Dunstall Holdings Limited and NonExecutive Director, St Modwen PLC, Deputy Lieutenant for Staffordshire.

Board Administrator

SAMANTHA NUTTALL

Development and Alumni Relations Officer SAMANTHA graduated in the summer of 2009 from Staffordshire University with a BA (Hons) in Advertising and Brand Management. Before joining the Development Office she worked for various companies in marketing and customer relations – managing a diverse portfolio of customers from large corporate clients to local enterprise.

Samantha prides herself on delivering a high-level of customer service and keeping donors and recipients up-to-date with the exciting developments at the University and the difference the kind support of donors has made to the lives of students. “I knew the University was a great place to work so when the chance to return came up I couldn’t turn it down. It is such a fun and enthusiastic place and I look forward to the challenges ahead!”

LAURA PERRINS

SAMANTHA NUTTALL Development and Alumni Relations Officer, Staffordshire University

Board Members PROFESSOR LIZ BARNES Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Staffordshire University PETER COATES Chairman of Stoke City Football Club and Bet365 STEPHEN GOULD MD Everards Brewery and University Alumnus

Development and Alumni Relations Advisor (Data and Communications) LAURA has been working in Alumni Relations for over ten years. She is a Staffordshire University alumna having graduated with a degree in Law and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

PROFESSOR IEUAN ELLIS Pro Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Region), Staffordshire University

In her role as Alumni Officer, Laura is responsible for developing an active relationship with the University’s alumni. She has built a strong alumni relations programme and an active alumni base which has helped drive the reputation of the University and generate income. Laura enjoys interacting with fellow alumni, assisting them to keep in touch with each other and with the University.

DEBORAH SANDERSON Head of Development and Alumni Relations, Staffordshire University

Laura manages the annual alumni marketing campaign via online, digital and print platforms to encourage graduates to engage with the University. She also works with the CRM team to manage the alumni database.

DANNY SMITH Solicitor Advocate and University Alumnus PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENTS’ UNION Student Representation

NICHOLA EDWARDS

Development and Alumni Relations Advisor (Relationships and Networks) NICHOLA is the latest addition to the team, however is not new to the University, having worked in Academic Partnerships for over ten years.

Nichola came to Staffordshire University from the further education sector, where she was a Welfare Officer at a local college, to work on the regional Aimhigher project where she developed a keen interest in the widening participation agenda. The project focussed on removing barriers to learning for those groups typically under-represented in higher education.

Nichola is delighted to join the Development and Alumni Relations team and faces the exciting challenges ahead with enthusiasm. She will be concentrating on developing relationships and networks with partners and alumni throughout the UK and around the globe; and will bring her passion for meeting new people, and flair for partnership working to the team.

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Scholarships for Ceramic Design talent Budding ceramic artists from Staffordshire University are being supported to explore their creativity in the capital of British pottery making.

Three talented students have each been awarded a £1,000 scholarship to aid their studies towards an MA in Ceramic Design.

The Staffordshire University Scholarship for Creativity and Innovation in Ceramics, launched in partnership with the British Ceramics Biennial, has been made available through the generous donations of supporters.

Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Rosy Crehan is one of those supporters. She said: “I am delighted this funding will support the development of these talented ceramic design students; helping to build up the creative ceramic design skills needed to complement and connect with the strengths of our local ceramic industry and add to the ingredients that will drive forward future innovation on a local, regional and international platform.”

Caitlin Darby, Holly Kemp and Emma Rose were specially selected to receive the scholarship, which was officially presented by Dr Astrid Herhoffer,

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former Dean of the Faculty of Art and Creative Technologies, Dr Herhoffer said: “It is brilliant that we are able to nurture creative talent, being in a creative hub in the Potteries.

“I’m always proud of what the Ceramic Design department is producing at the University. We’ve got a brilliant MA and looking at the work I’m convinced that these students will make us even prouder.”

Recipient Emma completed a BA (Hons) Surface Pattern Design at Staffordshire University before starting the MA. She is aiming to transfer her experimental designs from her undergraduate degree to ceramic surfaces.

She said: “It’s really nice that people are investing in me to see what I can come up with. There’s a little bit of pressure but it’s really exciting at the same time! I don’t think I’d have been able to do this course if it wasn’t for the scholarship.

Moving onto another surface – onto ceramics – to see how my designs translate is something that I’m really excited about.”

Caitlin and Holly both come from undergraduate degrees at Loughborough University and have exciting plans to expand on their previous work.

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Holly, who uses bold patterns and quirky shapes inspired by the Memphis design movement, said: “This extra funding means I don’t need to worry about the costs of my work so I can experiment a bit more with materials. I’ll just be a bit more comfortable so I can push even further with my work – it’s great!”

Caitlin, whose work focusses minimalism and surface finish, said: “I aim for my pieces to be very tactile and smooth to the touch through their design and the application of glazes. This scholarship will make a big difference. As well as it being a financial aid it gives you a big confidence boost being chosen and gives you more confidence in your work.”

Professor David Sanderson, who leads the MA in Ceramic Design and helped choose the winners, added: “Hopefully it will supplement their creative work.

All three offer something different to the programme.

“It’s massively important we invest in what is probably still our flagship course within the faculty and ceramic design in the Potteries. It’s incumbent for us to keep this programme alive and flourishing.”

Denise Coates Foundation Bursary Natalie Campbell, has three children and works as a part-time food service assistant at a Stoke-on-Trent based distribution centre.

She has long wanted to work with young offenders, to help them have a better future, and decided it was time to pursue her dream. She said: “When I was looking through the prospectus for what to study I came across sociology and I was fascinated.”

Natalie started her degree at Staffordshire University in September 2016 and successfully applied for a Denise Coates Foundation Bursary.

“The bursary will help me concentrate on my studies without worrying about how to pay for books and also driving lessons, which will help me get a job,” she explained.

“When I got an email about the bursary application being successful I was so pleased. I’d like to say thank you to the Denise Coates Foundation. It’s hard work fitting in a part-time job, my family and my studies, and the money will really help.

“Anyone thinking about applying next year should just go for it.”

The Denise Coates Foundation is a local charity that has been supporting Staffordshire University students for a number of years. In the 2015/16 academic year 50 students received support and this year the number has doubled.

Denise Coates CBE, Founder and Trustee of the Foundation, said: “Everyone should have access to education – no matter your background and social circumstances. It is important to support those who face financial barriers but have

In memory of Dr Ruth Thompson Ruth joined Staffordshire University Board of Governors as an Independent Governor in 2010 shortly after retiring as DirectorGeneral for Higher Education in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. She also worked in senior roles in other Government Departments in her career spanning 30 years.

She served the University as Chair of the Education Committee and was Deputy Chair of Audit and Risk and Nomination and Governance Committee as well as being a founder member of the University’s fundraising Development Board.

David Gage MBE, Chair of the Board of Governors, and former Chair of the Development Board said the University was shocked and saddened by news of her death. “I do not say lightly that Ruth is truly irreplaceable. It has been a privilege to know her and work closely with her.

Ruth showed extraordinary courage and determination to continue to support the University whilst fighting cancer.

“Ruth gave freely of her wisdom, experience and time, acting as a mentor and inspiration to many in an entirely unassuming way.”

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the drive, intelligence and ambition to attend university.

“We have been working with Staffordshire University for over three years now to support students from disadvantaged and difficult backgrounds.

Hundreds have since benefited and we hope there will be hundreds more to come.

“Our aim is to raise the aspirations of students in our home city of Stoke-onTrent, to help grow local talent and give back to the community.”

Graduate Stories We are proud of our graduates at Staffordshire University and love to hear how they are making a difference in a wide range of fields around the world. Here are just a few…

Chloe McCormick

Fayyaz Afzal

Chloe McCormick’s career has come in two halves – first as a commercial photographer and second as a teacher.

Fayyaz Afzal OBE was the UK’s first Asian blind barrister and is now a judge overseeing the most serious family cases in the legal system. He was awarded an OBE for his services to the judiciary and voluntary services to disabled people just ten years after graduating from Staffordshire University with an LLB in 1998.

She graduated from Staffordshire University with a degree in Business Management in 2008 before returning in 2014 for a Business Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Chloe, 28, was one of the first recipients of the Jane Matthews* PGCE bursary, which provided financial support during her studies.

Yuka Kikumoto

Japanese student Yuka Kikumoto chose Staffordshire University – in the heart of The Potteries – to study MA Ceramic Design and launch a career making “indispensable and enriching objects”. She has displayed her work in prestigious exhibitions in the UK, Turkey and Japan, sold items in galleries and shops, and won an international award.

Now a full-time teacher at Walsall Academy, she said: “Becoming a teacher was immediately completely different from my last job. I officially started at Walsall Academy in September 2015, teaching Year 9 to Sixth Form students.

During her studies, Chloe had to commute from Tamworth to Stafford every week, so the bursary helped to fund petrol costs as well as books for the course. She said: “I felt really shocked when I found out about the bursary. It was a nice surprise though! It helped me massively.

It was a steep learning curve and I’m really busy but I’m really enjoying it. I’d like to stay in secondary education because the students are amazing. I love their inquisitiveness about the world and they are guaranteed to make me laugh every single day.”

Matt Roach

A career in professional football as a sports therapist called for Matt Roach after a torn knee ligament put him on the bench. His injury guided his decision to undertake a degree at Staffordshire University and he now works for League One side MK Dons. * Not her real name.

To learn more about these graduates and others like them, visit www.staffs.ac.uk/graduatesuccess If you would like to feature as a graduate story please email graduate.relations@staffs.ac.uk

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PGiftCE for a third year For a third year, a generous gift has surprised eight PGCE students from lower income backgrounds. Jane Matthews*, a former special needs primary school teacher who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, was inspired to support trainee teachers despite having no previous connection to the University.

The eight lucky recipients received a letter from the Development Office telling them they had been chosen to receive a one-off bursary from the retired teacher.

Each of the PGCE students wanted to thank Jane personally with a letter to show how this money has helped change their experience and the passion they each have for teaching.

“At 30 years of age I have decided to change my career and move into teaching.

I would just like to say how appreciative I am for your generosity as the donation has helped me a great deal.

During university in a disability lecture, the lecturer started to talk about dyslexia, it all sounded far too familiar so the university suggested I take the test. I have always found I had to work a little bit harder than everyone else did but I just assumed I wasn’t the brightest spark, but I most

definitely was determined so I never let it stop me. The test cost £100, which is a large dent in the pocket of a student, but I needed to know for sure. Turns out yes, I am dyslexic and also dyspraxic, my reading time is half the speed for someone of my age and of my education level, also I have trouble processing written information and the list goes on. The dyspraxia is my refined motor, which explains my dodgy handwriting regardless of effort. So, at the glorious age of 30 I was pretty thankful I finally had an answer to why things just always seemed a little bit harder for me.

Your donation has helped me to pay for my test and pay for new equipment that will help me with my studies.

I just wanted to say it was deeply humbling to receive such a lovely gesture and you have most certainly made an impact helping me on my way to my teaching career.”

Jodie Williamson “I would just like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your extremely kind donation towards my studies and give you an insight into my current achievements and what your donation will help me do. I was grateful and lucky that I managed to get onto the course so

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late on into the year; it’s as if it was meant to be! I am now nearing the end of my first placement school and I have loved it! I definitely made the right decision, although there has been a few tears and a bit of a learning curve, I am ready to progress this career. Your donation will enable me to purchase resources such as mini whiteboards, whiteboard pens, teaching stamps, books, flash cards and more for the students I teach in my second placement and use throughout my career.

So honestly thank you very much.”

Jasmeet Dhami “I would like to take this opportunity to express my enormous gratitude for providing the resources to support my education. Given the fact that students of my particular discipline do not get the financial aid that many others do through government schemes, it is heart-warming that there are people out there who are willing to support struggling students. The funds transferred will help me to aspire to my career, and aid my development as an Art Teacher.”

Amy Matthews

* Not her real name.

Donations help Stallions start new season The Staffordshire Stallions have kicked off a new season after a funding injection allowed them to upgrade their kit.

As the “most expensive sport to play at Staffordshire University”, the American football club needed help to replace ageing helmets, padding and other equipment necessary to compete.

More than 60 team members take part in games each year, travelling to universities around the Midlands and North West, pushing up costs even further.

football is the most expensive sport at the University. The equipment, the travel costs for such a big team and they need a certain level of medical cover to play. It all adds up.”

He added: “The specialised kit is needed because it’s a high risk sport – with players running into each other headfirst at speed. We need a certain level of health and safety.”

The University Development Office supported the Stallion’s fundraising efforts to buy new helmets for the players – donating £1,400. The club needed to raise over £5,000 in total for this season.

The Stallions have enjoyed success in recent seasons, with numerous playoff appearances, and divisional and regional championship wins. They are entering the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) American Football 1A Midlands League with a relatively new team this year but aiming to add to previous achievements.

Jonathan Pace, Head of Sports Development and Active Lifestyles at Staffordshire University, said: “American

Jonathan said: “University American football is increasing in popularity massively. The number of people turning

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up to trials has increased since the club was founded over 10 years ago however the number of people that can be taken on is limited.

“It’s not a sport that is accessible to many people, in part down to the cost. The team plays at Longton Rugby Club, which is where the town’s Staffordshire Surge team play as well, and they have good connections with them.

“We also have great connections with our alumni, as we run an Old Boys game each April, when 40 to 50 ex-Stallions players turn up to play. Some of our alumni play for regional teams as well.”

Anyone interested in supporting the Staffordshire Stallions should contact the Staffordshire University Development Office on 01782 295702 developmentoffice@staffs.ac.uk

Then and Now 2016 Then & Now 2016 was a one-day symposium featuring world-class advertising and brand management, graphic design and illustration alumni. The event was a chance for graduates to return to Staffordshire University to tell current students about their career pathways.

“I really want to inspire students by saying you can do it and as long as you persevere, keep positive and keep working hard, you will get there,” said Candice Short, who graduated in 2010. She now works at Design Bridge, a brand design agency in London.

“I was invited to come and talk about my Then & Now journey – from when I graduated with a degree in Advertising and Brand Management through to today. I’ve been involved closely with the University since graduating and the symposium was a chance to show students the jobs market is not all doom and gloom and that careers are available.”

Associate lecturer on Advertising and Brand Management, Andy Cook is a Stoke-based graphic designer and creative business owner. In his talk, Andy wanted to raise awareness of the career opportunities in Staffordshire.

He said: “I’ve been an associate lecturer for four years and I work for the University as a designer as well, so they are one of my clients. I wanted to get the message across to students that it’s not just about going to London and doing great there, you can do great things in Stoke-on-Trent too. I’m talking about the businesses I’ve set up here, the creative endeavours I’ve set up, all the things I’ve got going on here, and it’s all from being based in the city.”

Mike Willows graduated from Staffordshire University in 2007 and is now a freelance graphic designer based in London. He is co-founder of independent agency NotOnSunday, which he started with business partner Wayne Trevor Townsend.

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Mike said: “I loved the community at Staffordshire University. I got a lot of personal care and connections with the lecturers here, who really influenced and helped me in my career decision making.

So I wanted to come back to present my story to the students and maybe influence them in their decision making, where they want to go in life and what they want to achieve in their careers.”

Alumni who would like to keep in touch and potentially donate their time to supporting current students, please email graduate.relations@staffs.ac.uk

Gift of Time Staffordshire University alumni are in a unique position to support current students.

Alongside cash donations, a gift of time can be equally valuable. Alumni can pass on knowledge, expertise and share their inspiring success stories.

They can offer insight into embarking on a new career, explain how a degree can open doors and lead to a world of opportunity.

If you would like to know more or to volunteer your time, email graduate. relations@staffs.ac.uk

There are many ways to contribute, through guest lectures and meeting relevant subject groups, through to sharing Graduate Stories online (see page 6).

Ways to give If you would like to support the students of Staffordshire University, there are a number of ways to get involved.

Bursaries, scholarships and other opportunities provide many with the chance to get the most from University.

All financial contributions go towards supporting students, enabling them to fund their studies and reach their potential.

Whether a one-off donation or regular monthly contribution, all gifts make a real difference. If you are planning for the future, you may consider leaving a legacy to the University in your Will, ensuring your generosity provides continued benefits.

Financial contributions are not the only way to provide support. You can share your expertise, services, skills and ideas with the next generation of professionals. Student mentoring, volunteering at Open Days, guest lectures or simply answering students’ questions online are all ways to contribute.

Over the last four years, the value of over ÂŁ1,000,000 has been raised, made up of cash contributions, time, and donations of specialised equipment.

This has enabled us to create over 250 bursaries, three scholarships and other opportunity awards.

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We have ambitious plans over the next five years to increase donations in order to continue supporting our students.

Your gift, no matter how large or small, will make a real difference.

For more information or to talk to us about making a gift, please contact the Development Office.

01782 295702 developmentoffice@staffs.ac.uk To make an online donation, please visit www.staffs.ac.uk/gifting/donate

Support the Horizon Fund Please write clearly in black ink in the white spaces with capital letters or cross the boxes. All sections must be completed.

Please return this form to Staffordshire University, we will log your gift and send the form to your bank. Important – we cannot set standing orders up on savings accounts.

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This form must be completed by an individual – joint declarations will not be accepted by HM Revenue and Customs Please tick if you wish your gift to remain anonymous. Otherwise, your name may be listed with other donors in printed and online publications.

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Data Protection Statement: Staffordshire University collects, processes and holds personal information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, for their activities in supporting Staffordshire University. Staffordshire University does not share your personal details with other organisations. If you do not wish to receive updates or other communications from Staffordshire University, please write, email or telephone (contact details overleaf).

Development Office Staffordshire University College Road Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire ST4 2DE +44 (0)1782 295702 developmentoffice@staffs.ac.uk

Connect with us: www.staffs.ac.uk/alumni graduate.relations@staffs.ac.uk Follow and tweet us @StaffsAlumni

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